Saint Kunigunde

Saint Kunigunde

Another Saint of the Day for July 23

Saint Kunigunde”s Story

When Pope John Paul II traveled to his native Poland in June 1999, he fulfilled a long-held dream to canonize Kunigunde, a Polish princess whose elevation to sainthood had been stalled for many years because of political conditions. Celebrating the momentous event with him were half a million people who gathered in a field outside the small town of Stary Sacz.

Kunigunde, or Kinga, was born in 13th-century Hungary into a royal family distinguished for its political power as well as its holy women. Her aunts included Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Saint Hedwig and Saint Agnes of Prague; numbered among her siblings are the Dominican Saint Margaret and Blessed Yolande.

When only 15, Kunigunde became engaged to the man who was to become the next King of Poland: Boleslaus V. Upon their marriage, the two took vows of chastity before the bishop and lived out their promises during their 40 years of married life. Meanwhile, Queen Kunigunde undertook the care of her young sister and spent many hours visiting the sick in hospitals. As the First Lady of Poland she was ever attentive to the welfare of her people and their special needs.

When King Boleslaus died in 1279, the people urged the queen to take over the reins of government, but she wished to consecrate herself wholly to God. For 13 years, she lived the simple life of a Poor Clare nun, residing at a convent she and her husband had established. Ultimately, she was elected abbess, and governed with charity and wisdom. She died a peaceful death, surrounded by her loving sisters. Many miracles are said to have occurred at her tomb.

In 1715, Pope Clement XI chose her as the special patron of Poles and Lithuanians.

Reflection

Kunigunde must have learned at home the charity that won her canonization. Perhaps it was the generosity of her sainted aunts that impressed her; more likely she picked it up from her immediate family. In any case, she cared for others’ needs even as a teenage bride. The virtue of charity, like faith, is more caught than taught. If youngsters see us responding to poverty and suffering, chances are they will follow in our footsteps.

From Fr. Don Miller, OFM

Fr. Don Miller is a Franciscan priest of Saint John the Baptist Province with a varied background. He has worked in the domestic missions in the Southwestern USA, taught at the university level and served as a campus minister. He also has experience in professional counseling, and served as the Vocation Director of his province.

He has been a friar for 50 years and a priest for 44 years. He earned a PhD in Moral Theology from The Catholic University of America.

More from Franciscan Media

Sponsored Ad

Mission

Franciscan Media seeks to spread the Word that is Jesus Christ and to help you grow closer to God in the spirit of St. Francis.